Cat

[Rozjune]

I have a 3-year-old rescue cat I brought her home at 8 weeks she is very nervous, when we have visitors she will run and hide under the bed till they leave. she will lay on my lap for me to tickle and stroke her but when I try to hold her close she will struggle and growl and so strong I cannot hold her Then a few minutes later she will come to me and sit on my lap

[ummmm]

Same as my cat. He was the runt of the litter. He's almost 7 now and still checks that he can eat his food before he's pushed out the way.

We can't pick him up. It scares him. We just leave him be. Let the cat go to you.

Think about them like humans. How often do you like being picked up or fussed?

[MartinMillar]

Some cats like fuss some don’t, I have 4 cats 2 love hugs, 1 will put up with a little hug and 1 will take your eyes out.
I just let them be and when they want hugs they will come to you

[derekpara]

Is she from a feral background ? If so, they can be difficult to 'domesticate' and aften prefer to do their own thing.

D

[roopower]

We have three that are the kittens of a little cat we took in, now sadly not with us. She was very nervous and so are the the "kittens" despite the fact they are eight now. We leave them to come to us when they want a fuss, which they do, but on their terms. Our other two cats, also strays, are the complete opposite.

[Prudie]

I have had many cats and every one of them had their own distinct and quite strong personality. What you're describing is quite normal and nothing to do with being a rescue necessarily. One of mine runs and hides if anyone comes to the house and the other runs to the front door growling when someone comes. Just let yours do what it wants!

[ummmm]

Devious little things as well. I was feeding what I thought was a stray cat for months before I found out who owned it :-) cheeky but cute.

[Prudie]

They're not daft either, one of mine knows all she has to do to get whatever she wants out of me is to sit on my keyboard.

[ummmm]

Not daft at all. Mine knows how to get food out of people. He knows who to go to.

[198kHz]

Cats are indeed all individual.
We have two 14y old sisters who have always been treated equally.
One is quite heavy, will stand any amount of fuss, from anyone, and can sleep for England. The other is much lighter, disappears when the doorbell rings, is outdoors a lot, and is scared to death of rustling crisp packets.

[calmck]

She obviously does not like to be picked up. Just let her come to you and sit on your knee. She might change or might not. Cats know what they are comfortable with and their "master" should respect this and all will be well!

[ummmm]

Master? Are you kidding? They are in charge. They're our masters!!

My cat can get the kids to do more than I ever could :-)

[smurfchops]

This is just her nature, stroke her when she wants to be stroked, she obviously trusts you, or she wouldnt sit on your lap. When she has had enough, and she lets you know, just let her go and do her own thing. She will come back. She is letting you know what she wants and what she doesn’t!